Description

Product Review: Fender American Professional II Stratocaster RW Sunburst

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster in Rosewood Fingerboard and 3-Color Sunburst finish is a stellar blend of classic design and modern refinement, offering a versatile tone and premium playability that lives up to the Fender legacy.

Design & Build Quality – 9.5/10

Right out of the case, the guitar impresses with its timeless 3-Color Sunburst finish, a gloss urethane topcoat over a beautifully contoured alder body. The attention to detail is outstanding — clean fretwork, a deep neck joint carve for easier upper fret access, and rolled fingerboard edges that make it feel like a well-worn friend from day one.

Tone & Electronics – 9/10

This Strat features V-Mod II single-coil pickups, which offer a slightly warmer, more nuanced take on the traditional Strat sound. Expect all the sparkle and chime you’d want from a Strat, but with improved clarity and low-end definition. The push-push tone knob activates the neck pickup in positions 1 and 2, expanding your tonal palette without departing from vintage character.

Playability & Neck Feel – 9.5/10

The Deep “C” maple neck is arguably one of Fender’s most comfortable profiles, ideal for everything from chordal work to blazing solos. Combined with a 9.5” radius rosewood fretboard and narrow tall frets, bending notes feels smooth and effortless. It’s fast, but not overly slick — perfect for blues, rock, funk, or even jazz.

Hardware & Stability – 9/10

Fender’s upgraded 2-point tremolo with a cold-rolled steel block improves sustain and tuning stability, and the Deluxe staggered tuners help keep the headstock weight balanced and tuning tight. The hardware feels solid and stage-ready, with no compromises.

Case & Extras – 8.5/10

The guitar ships with a deluxe molded Fender hard case, which is rugged and well-padded. You also get a certificate of authenticity and a basic tool kit for adjustments.

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Pros:

• Beautiful, vintage-inspired Sunburst finish
• Exceptionally playable neck with rolled edges
• Versatile V-Mod II pickups with expanded switching options
• Reliable hardware and stable tuning

Cons:

• Some purists may prefer the original V-Mod pickups or vintage specs
• Price might be a stretch for beginners or casual players

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Final Verdict:

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster RW Sunburst is a near-perfect modern Stratocaster that honors its heritage while offering meaningful upgrades. Whether you’re a serious hobbyist, a gigging musician, or a studio regular, this Strat delivers tone, looks, and feel that inspire creativity.

Rating: 9.3/10